NEW YORK, Dec. 2, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Rethink, an online platform that places evidence-based treatment solutions in the hands of educators, clinicians, and parents working with individuals with developmental disabilities, is pleased to announce an upcoming webinar on Wednesday, December 9 at 4pm ET. Social Emotional Wellness for Transition Age Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) will explore the challenges transition age youth face upon leaving the education system and identify ways to better support these young adults. Registration is free and open to all: http://go.rethinkfirst.com/social_emotional_wellness
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A study published in September found that rates of depression are more than twice as high among young adults with ASD than their regularly developing peers. Another study published by the Drexel Institute earlier this year found that more than 60 percent of youth (ages 15-17) had at least two health/mental health conditions in addition to autism. The study also found that amongst parents surveyed who reported a need for services that were not covered by insurance, psychological services was the single most frequent unmet need.
Social and emotional development promotes self-confidence and the ability to engage in meaningful relationships and can be a powerful force in supporting individuals susceptible to mental health problems. The significance of social emotional learning for school-aged children, particularly those with disabilities, is receiving increased attention in schools, yet it is also invaluable in promoting mental health among young adults transitioning into adulthood, who are statistically more vulnerable to certain mental health conditions and for whom services fall off upon leaving school.
Social and emotional learning is an invaluable way to support individuals with ASD and help them avoid the mental health challenges to which they are susceptible. Despite that, many social and emotional learning services fall off upon leaving school, commonly referred to as a "services cliff." Next Wednesday's webinar will discuss the services cliff, the impact of social emotional learning, and some best practices to help more students make an effective transition after leaving school.
In this webinar, Anne Roux, Drexel Institute researcher and author of numerous leading studies exploring the challenges and needs of young adults with autism, will discuss current research on mental health in young adults with ASD and the significance of social and emotional development. She will be joined Dr. Kimberly Smalley, the autism clinical specialist/behavior analyst for the Redwood Coast Regional Center in California who will discuss best-practices in promoting social emotional wellness for this population and Maurice Snell, the development coordinator at Easter Seals, who will share his first-hand experience of transitioning into adulthood as a young man with ASD.
Webinar attendees will:
- Learn about the social-emotional challenges faced by young adults with ASD;
- Get best-practice tips on how to promote social emotional wellness for young people as they transition into adulthood; and
- Have the opportunity to ask questions to all three panelists.
"Social emotional wellness is a topic that needs more attention. Youth with ASD can and do transition into meaningful adult lives when they receive the appropriate services and supports," says Dr. Patricia Wright, Vice President of Professional Services at Rethink and former National Director of Autism Services at Easter Seals. "We are looking forward to sharing the current data on this topic and what each one of us can do to improve the outcomes for our youth with ASD."
As part of a deep commitment to supporting individuals with disabilities, Rethink hosts monthly best-practice and topical webinars featuring top researchers, experts, and practitioners in the fields of special education and disability services and treatment. You can register for upcoming webinars and browse our full archive here: https://www.rethinkfirst.com/Home/Webinars
About Rethink:
Rethink aims to place evidence-based treatment solutions in the hands of every educator, clinician or parent working with a child with special needs. We are unique in our footprint, leveraging the power of technology to provide clinical support, best-practice tools, and research-based content to all market segments, reaching more children with special needs than any other solution.
Media Contact:
Emily Smith
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